DR Congo opposition suspends role in 'dialogue' process

An opposition delegation taking part in a so-called "national dialogue" to resolve a political crisis in DR Congo said Friday it had suspended its participation after deadly violence in the capital this week.

Rioting and violent protests calling for President Joseph Kabila's resignation on Monday and Tuesday claimed at least 50 lives, according to the United Nations.

"In light of the tragedy of these lives cut short, the delegation... has agreed to postpone the ongoing work... during this time of contemplation," said a co-moderator of the opposition groups taking part, Vital Kamerhe, in a statement.

This is the second time the delegation has walked out of the talks, having suspended their participation on September 12 because they said they were being "led down a dead-end street."

Kabila's political foes have formed a "Gathering" around the opposition Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) party founded by veteran Etienne Tshisekedi. The 83-year-old has called himself the country's "president elect" since the last presidential poll in November 2011, which was marred by massive fraud.

But the African Union-facilitated dialogue has struggled for legitimacy since the beginning due to the absence of the UDPS.

The UPDS had organised a rally on Monday to demand that Kabila, who has ruled since 2001, step down when his mandate expires in December. Under the constitution, he is barred from running for another term.

The "Gathering" announced on Friday that it had decreed three days of national mourning from Monday.

Moise Katumbi, an opposition leading light who is currently overseas for medical treatment, meanwhile, warned in a message "those in the service of a rudderless, autocratic and bloody regime (that they) must answer for their criminal acts".

Alhough Kabila's current term ends on December 20, no date for new elections has been announced and there are fears he plans to stay in power.